DATE OF ISSUE:  28 SEPTEMBER 1994

CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (CMS) PROSECUTIONS NETWORK

PURPOSE

The purpose of this instruction is to advise staff of changes to the CMS network for recording prosecution cases.  This instruction should be read in conjunction with B39/93 Claims Management System (CMS) Prosecutions Network.

BACKGROUND

2.The CMS Prosecutions Network (Classification Type Number 015 - Prosecutions) enables recording of all stages of prosecution activity - from identification of a possible offence through to the outcome of legal proceedings.  The resulting statistical information enables the re-examination of resource allocation during the current financial year, and provides accurate information on which to base estimates for the next financial year.  This information also forms the basis for reporting fraud control activity in the Benefits program for the Annual Report.

CHANGES

CMS Attributes

3.Two new attributes have been added to the prosecution network.

4.Using the new attribute number 996 "Sent to AFP" it is now possible to record when and how many cases are referred to the AFP for investigation.  The new attribute should be available at any stage after registration.  It is also possible to record when and how many cases are returned from the AFP with attribute number 997 "Returned from AFP".  These were implemented on 29 July 1994.

5.It is now possible to record a prosecution of a person who is neither a veteran nor a spouse.  An example could be where the relative of a veteran was prosecuted as an accessory to a fraud perpetrated by the veteran or partner.  The new attribute, number 224, is "Third Party".  It was implemented on 14 September 1994 and is valid for all States.

Stage Finalised

6.Some difficulty was being experienced with the stage "Finalised No Prosecution".  This was because the only stages valid as finalisation stages were "Case Finalised","Case Merged" and"Case Withdrawn".  To overcome this problem an extra stage "Case Finalised" has been added at the end of "Finalised No Prosecution".  This extra stage must be entered to correctly finalise a case where there has been no prosecution.

7.Please remember that accurate statistical reports can only be provided if all relevent attributes have been recorded for each case.  Prior to finalisation of each prosecution case, staff must ensure that all the attributes applicable to the particular case have been set.  Attachments A and B list available Attributes and Classification Stages.

CONTACT OFFICER

8.The contact officer regarding enquiries on this matter is Colette Woodford - telephone 06-289 6751.  Please contact Murray Chynoweth on telephone 06-289 6799 for any system related enquiries.

KAY GRIMSLEY

ASSISTANT SECRETARY

INCOME SUPPORT

ATTACHMENT A

ATTRIBUTES AVAILABLE FOR CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 015 (PROSECUTIONS)

ATTRIBUTE NAMEATTRIBUTE NUMBER

ARREARS932

BOND235

CRIMES ACT910

CUSTODIAL SENTENCE230

DATA MATCHING855

DISABILITY PENSION875

DOB IN860

DSS PENSION880

DSS RECOVERY925

DUAL PENSION885

DVA RECOVERY915

FAILURE TO NOTIFY895

FALSE STATEMENT890

FINE IMPOSED INCL AMOUNT225

GARNISHEE LIMITATION240

GARNISHEE LUMP SUM241

GUILTY215

JOINT223

LUMP SUM931

NOT GUILTY220

O'PAID < $20,000926

O'PAID $20,000 - $50,000927

O'PAID > $50,000928

PROCEEDS OF CRIME 920

REFERRAL TO AGC245

RETURNED FROM AFP997

REVIEW865

SENT TO AFP996

SERVICE PENSION870

SPOUSE222

SOCIAL SECURITY ACT905

THIRD PARTY224

VEA900

VETERAN221

NOTE:All attributes available all States.

ATTACHMENT B

STAGES AVAILABLE FOR CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 015 (PROSECUTIONS)

STAGE NAMESTAGE NUMBER

CASE DISCUSSED WITH DPP540

CASE FINALISATION199

CASE TO TRIAL560

CASE WITHDRAWN899

CHARGES LAID555

FINALISED - NO PROSECUTION545

FORMAL REFERRAL TO DPP550

INVESTIGATION050

REGISTRATION370